PREPARED FOR THE WILDERNESS BY WISDOM'S FEAST

PREPARED FOR THE WILDERNESS BY WISDOM’S FEAST

I lectured from Psalm 23 last evening — the wilderness, the same in principle for us as for the remnant. The wilderness (Psalm 23) comes between the sufferings (Psalm 22) and the glory (Psalm 24). The wilderness is — there is nothing here for the man of God, neither bread nor water. You must begin by saying, “I shall not want”. No saint ever wanted here that he did not expose himself to Satan. Thus you come prepared from the best place, and one that you know. In the gospel it is from the joys of the Father’s house. When Christ is known as Priest you come from Him as such; and when He is known in heaven you come from the best and highest to face this dark world. Thus invigorated, you are led into the paths of righteousness. You must be prepared for the journey here; you must resume your journey every day prepared by wisdom’s feast. See Proverbs 9. Wisdom gives you bread and wine first, and then in divine vigour you are separate from what is not of God. Then what cheer He gives! a table — some distinct mark of favour — in the presence of your enemies; like Melchisedec bringing out bread and wine to Abraham. Your head anointed with ^[p. 222] oil, your countenance is bright, and within you have joys unspeakable.

I was speaking of one who acquired the greatest nearness to the Lord, the brightest light, and the greatest service. How did she acquire it? By her love to Him! There is the active love and the restful love. Peter is an example of one and John of the other.